* 1966 Chevrolet G-10 Cargo Van - Passion Pit II *

Updated  Feb 15, 2008

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This is one of the many projects that I have going on. Found it in 1998 while on a local gravel delivery. 

Took me a few months to catch up with the owner as he, like I, worked many hours. 

It was used for storage since 1980, like many are. 

The good thing about the van is that the Bob had propped it up on cinder blocks and kept the rotting to a minimum. 

Not to say that it already seen its share of salt deterioration, as the state of Mass blasts the roads in the winter season. 

Back in 1975 while attending high school, I had a 1964 Chevy Van. 

It was a hot summer night, and I asked my dad to use his new air conditioned Cordoba. 

Came home from the date and the van was gone. 

Friends said me the next day, "hey, we saw you last night, blew the horn & no wave or anything. What's up with that ?" 

Needless to say, the van was never recovered. No insurance either.

My high school class of '76 had our 25th reunion (2001) & I wanted to relive the van scene. 

The van wasn't completed but to my surprise, there was talk about the "Passion Pit". 

Our trip to Hampton Beach, Misquamicut, & Cape Cod after graduation. Hope to find some pictures of those escapades.

11/29/02

Restoration is well underway (on the `66 Chevy), but now the cold weather has set in (+19f. today). 

Most of the body work is done. Have the roof, dash, & windshield frame painted. 

Found a source for lacquer paint (black) on the web ($90.00 gallon). 

Having a new green tinted windshield cut at the local glass shop for $100.00.  

Am trying to keep the van mostly stock using NOS parts. 

Did install an Alpine am/fm/cd player w/ 2 Infinity 63.5i (6 1/2) & 2 Infinity 693.5i (6x9) speakers.

Purchased a 1965 GMC Handi Van this fall in Maine with the help of my brother-in-law Fosco. 

The old timer had been using it for storage. Tried for what must have been 3 -4 years to get him to let it go. 

It was well worth the wait, even though Fosco had to endure many WARM BEER sessions.. (sorry)

08/03/03

1965 GMC

Finally made it up to Maine to get the GMC. All went well with no stoppages by local or state law enforcers.

1966 Chevy

Have the interior all primed & almost finished with the body work. Installed a new tinted windshield & gasket. 

Between work & the humidity, not much has been done. It's so close to being finished & yet so far. 

Once the paint is on, the rest will be a breeze. All mechanicals are done.

12/27/03 

A end of the year update on the vans. 

The `66 is painted (PPG black lacquer) and put in storage. 

Had a few nice days in the end of November where the weather was warm enough to paint. 

Should have spent more time on the body work but it's never going to be a queen ! 

Got the first 2 coats down & when I started the 3rd coat, the exhaust fan quit working. 

For the next 2 coats, couldn't see a thing. Kind of like looking into a foggy rainy mist. 

Still looks OK from 50 feet... LOL... Installed the bumpers, belly pan, & lights. 

Just need to paint the doors & install the glass.

The `65 GMC has all new brakes (everything). Repaired the windshield frame & put on a new gasket. 

Spent Christmas day getting it ready for inspection. Had to remove all light connectors & sand the contacts. 

Installed new headlamp bucket springs. New exhaust. R&R all gaskets & hoses, new NOS distributor & Pertronix coil. 

Not a beautiful sight by any means but a functional, drivable van.

July 18, 2004 

1966 Chevy

Purchased a Clifford Performance valve cover for the 250 - 6 cylinder motor. 

Found a set of NOS wiper arms (# 3856006). Real chrome !!!

Spent a full day polishing the Corvette wheels with different grades of scotch pads. 

Then finished them with 3 coats of Mothers mag polish. Look fantastic !!! 

To warm & humid today to do any sanding or painting. Maybe next week... 

November 07, 2004 

End of the year update... Didn't get the `66 done. Always next year 2005 ! 

January 18, 2006  

Wow ! It doesn't seem that long, but it has been. No, its still not done. 

Been busy with to many other projects like my 1964 Olds 98 2 door hardtop. 

Unlike the Chevy, it's done ! Hope by mid-summer to have the van on the road. 

A true shame to let it sit in the garage & not drive it. 

P.S. - HAVE 10 MONTHS TO GET IT DONE FOR THE 30TH CLASS REUNION ! 

Feburary 15, 2008 

Well, the short of it is, no - the `66 Chevy is still not done. Drive the `65 GMC all the time =)

Enjoy your stay &  drop me a note at  cargovan1966@comcast.net 

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